Car operating fluids, what should you pay attention to?

Various operating fluids are used in the car. No internal combustion engine can run without fuel, whether it is diesel or premium gasoline. There are also other fluids that are necessary for efficient and technically safe driving. Some of them can be replaced yourself, others are checked and supplemented in the workshop during the inspection. All of them are available in specialized car parts and accessories stores such as iParts.pl. Nevertheless, it is important to know which fluids flow through your car, and that is exactly what you will learn in this article.

Essential fluids in the car

Your engine only runs optimally when your car's fluid levels are within the normal range. Some fluids protect engine parts against wear, others improve safety or reduce operating costs. Monitoring and heeding the warning signals of the on-board computer also protects your vehicle against mechanical damage.

The fluid level can often be read directly from the reservoir. Information on service intervals and their detailed description can also be found in the vehicle's owner's manual. It is worth following them, especially in a new car, so as not to lose the warranty. It's best to develop a rhythm so you don't miss the checks.

Operating fluids to pay attention to:

• brake fluid
• antifreeze
• engine oil
• Windshield washer fluid

Brake fluid. What is it used for?

The task of brake fluid ( https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,plyny-hamulcowe,65-50.html ) is to transfer the force exerted from the brake pedal to the wheel. The boiling point and viscosity of the liquid play an important role here. Moreover, unlike other liquids, it has hygroscopic properties. This means that it attracts water over time. In hot conditions, e.g. during continuous braking, water in the hose may evaporate and create air bubbles. If the brake fluid is old or too low, the brake will not build up enough pressure and the brake will work poorly or not at all.

The brake fluid expansion tank is located under the hood near the power steering system. If the fluid does not reach the minimum level, it should be topped up preferably to the maximum mark.

How often should you replace the coolant?

Engine heat is produced in two ways: fuel combustion and internal friction. Since the entire engine is made of metal, the heat from the combustion chambers is quickly distributed throughout the machine. As a result of internal friction, the engine heats up even more. The cooling system with coolant ( https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,plyny-do-chlodnic,65-60.html ) protects the hot engine against overheating, therefore its reserve should always be filled. As with brake fluid, there is a mark on the coolant reservoir to indicate its level. When it is below the minimum value, it should be added. It is best to only change the coolant when the engine is cold. If the engine is still hot, open the tank very carefully because the closed cooling system is under pressure.

How much oil does a car use?

Engine oil ( https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,65.html ) lubricates all mechanical parts of the engine. Ensures smooth operation and low friction of moving parts in the engine. It also serves as a gentle seal between the pistons, piston rings and cylinder working surfaces. It also ensures that engine parts are cleaned of combustion residues. In other words, nothing works without it. You can easily refill the missing engine oil yourself through the oil filler cap located in the engine compartment. All you need to do is open the lid. For small holes and large, bulky oil canisters, you can use a funnel to prevent spills.

Practical tip: In modern cars, the oil level is monitored automatically. However, its level should be checked manually every second refueling.

Windshield washer fluid

Wiper fluid ( https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,plyny-do-srywiwaczy,65-76.html ) is used to clean the front and rear windows of the car. Visibility in summer is obstructed by numerous mosquitoes and flies, and in winter by salt and dirt. Can you fill it yourself? Easily! Just open the lid of the washer fluid container, it is usually marked with a wiper symbol with water sprayed on it. In summer, fill the tank with standard windshield wiper fluid, and in winter, fill it with special antifreeze.

You can also find liquids in concentrated form on store shelves, which can be diluted with demineralized water . This solution saves space and money.

What else is worth paying attention to in operating fluids?

Most car fluids should be checked when the engine is cold. This applies especially to the coolant, which becomes very hot. The cooling system is also under pressure when engine parts are warm, which drastically increases the risk of burns. Other recommendations include checking the oil level. In this case, the engine should reach the specified operating temperature, but it should be turned off for a few minutes. This allows oil to accumulate and is easier to check. When checking the oil, the markings on the fluid reservoir or the dipstick located in the reservoir cap are helpful. However, in the long run, only small losses are to be expected. Larger losses may indicate a leak or other defect.

In a car, the computer indicates whether there are problems with one of the operating fluids. However, sometimes the warning light appears relatively late. Therefore, it is recommended to check your fluid levels regularly.